WORLD SERVICE INTERGROUP

An International Network of Ageless Wisdom Groups

The Banner of Peace symbol was proposed by Nicholas Roerich to protect the cultural heritage of Humanity in their different manifestations all over the world.

It was first accepted by 21 countries from America that signed the Roerich Pact on April 15th 1935 in the White House in Washington with the presence of Franklin Delano Roosevelt who at the close of the signing delivered the following message in an international broadcast:

“It is most appropriate that on this day, designated as Pan-American Day by the chief executives of all the republics of the American continent, the governments-members of the Pan-American Union- should sign a treaty which marks a step forward in the preservation of the cultural achievements of the nations of this hemisphere. In opening this Pact to the adherence of the nations of the world, we are endeavouring to make of universal application one of the principles vital to the preservation of modern civilization. This Treaty possesses a spiritual significance far deeper than the text of the instrument itself. Let us bring renewed allegiance to those high principles of international cooperation and helpfulness, which, I feel assured, will be a great contribution to civilization by the Americas.”

Banner of Peace

Secretary of Agriculture, Henry A. Wallace gave the following statement to the press, which after reviewing the history of the Pact, concludes:

“At no time has such an ideal been more needed. While the individual nations are working out their separate economic and national problems, it is also necessary that they recognize their responsibilities as part of the community of nations. I do say that it is high time for the idealists, who make the reality of tomorrow, to rally around such a symbol of international cultural unity. It is time we appeal to that appreciation of beauty, science and education which runs across all national boundaries to strengthen all that we hold dear in our particular governments and customs. It is for this reason that I regard the ratification of the Roerich Pact as so significant a step. Its acceptance signifies the approach of a time when those who truly love their own nation will appreciate in addition the unique contribution of other nations and also do reverence to that common spiritual enterprise which draws together in one fellowship all artists, scientists, educators and the truly religious of whatever faith. I believe that the Roerich Pact is in conformity with the deepest, most sacred laws of the Universe and that it has become an international reality at an especially propitious time.”

We, the members of Banner of Peace Group, feel that the time has come in which the Banner of Peace symbol and the Roerich Pact are taking a new life and our task is to actively participate in this process spreading them as much as we can.

According with this we invite the whole WSI to join us in this action.

BANNER OF PEACE SYMBOL

This sign of the triad which is to be found all over the world
may have several meanings.

Some interpret it as a symbol of past, present and future,
enclosed in the ring of eternity; others consider that it refers
to religion, science and art, held together in the circle of Culture. But whatever be the interpretation the sign itself is of the most universal character.

The oldest of Indian symbols, Chintamani, the sign of happiness, is composed of this symbol and one can find it in the Temple of Heaven in Peking. It appears in the Three Treasures of Tibet; on the breast of the Christ in Memling’s well-known painting; on the Madonna of Strasbourg; on the shields of the Crusaders and coat of arms of the Templars. It can be seen on the blades of the famous Caucasian swords known as “Gurda”.

It appears as a symbol in a number of philosophical systems. It can be found on the images of Gesar Khan and Rigden Djapo; on the “Tamga” of Timurlane and on the coat of arms of the Popes. It is to be seen in the work of ancient Spanish

painters and of titian, and on the ancient ikon of St. Nicholas in Bari and that of St. Sergius and the Holy Trinity.

It can be found on the coat of arms of the city of Samarkand, on Ethiopian and Coptic antiquities, on the rocks of Mongolia, on Tibetan rings, on the breast ornaments of Lahul, Ladak and all the Himalayan countries, on Celtic coins and on the pottery of the neolithic age.

It is conspicuous on Buddhist banners. The same sign is branded on Mongolia steeds. Nothing, then, could be more appropriate for assembling all races than this symbol, which is no mere ornament but a sign which carries with it a deep meaning.

It has existed for immeasurable periods of time and is to be found throughout the world. No one therefore can pretend that it belongs to any particular sect, confession, or tradition, and it represents the evolution of consciousness in all its varied phases.

When it is a question of defending the world’s treasure, no better symbol could be selected, for it is universal, of limitless antiquity and carries with it a meaning which should find an echo in every heart.